No fatalities

Aircraft fire during airshow practice at Crows Landing-Aux Field AFB (161762)

Crows Landing-Aux Field AFB, United States of AmericaLanding (descent or approach)

On September 25, 1990, a Lockheed P-3 Orion (registration 161762) operated by United States Navy - USN was involved in an aviation accident near Crows Landing-Aux Field AFB, United States of America during landing or approach. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The aircraft became uncontrollable and caught fire following a hard landing during flight maneuvers. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Source recordUpdated 2026-06-11Data APIEditorial standards

An aircraft caught fire and was destroyed during touch-and-go maneuvers at an airshow practice session in California.

What happened

During a practice session for an upcoming airshow at Crows Landing-Aux Field AFB, the crew was performing touch-and-go landings. During one of these maneuvers, the aircraft experienced a heavy landing that caused the pilot to lose control of the plane. Following the loss of control, the aircraft came to a stop and subsequently erupted into flames.

Despite the intensity of the fire, all four crew members managed to exit the aircraft before it was consumed by the flames. The aircraft was completely destroyed in the incident, though no injuries were reported among the occupants.

Findings

  • The aircraft experienced a hard landing during a touch-and-go maneuver.
  • The impact led to a loss of control and the subsequent fire.

Probable cause

The aircraft became uncontrollable and caught fire following a hard landing during flight maneuvers.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 25 Sept 1990 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident near Crows Landing-Aux Field AFB, United States of America?

An aircraft caught fire and was destroyed during touch-and-go maneuvers at an airshow practice session in California.

Were there any fatalities in the 25 Sept 1990 Lockheed P-3 Orion accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 25 Sept 1990 involved a Lockheed P-3 Orion, registration 161762, operated by United States Navy - USN, at Crows Landing-Aux Field AFB, United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft became uncontrollable and caught fire following a hard landing during flight maneuvers.